Purported suicide note left by Jeffrey Epstein released

A purported suicide note left by Jeffrey Epstein has been released.

The note, which has not been authenticated by US law enforcement, was made public by a federal judge in New York overseeing the criminal case against the convicted paedophile's cellmate.

Epstein was found dead in his prison cell in August 2019. His death was ruled as suicide.

The letter, first reported by The New York Times, was apparently left during an incident in which Epstein, 66, was injured but survived.

Sky's US partner network NBC News was the first to report on what is believed to have been Epstein's first suicide attempt in July 2019, when he was found semiconscious with marks on his neck.

The note says: "They investigated me for months – FOUND NOTHING!!!"

It continues: "It is a treat to be able to choose one's time to say goodbye.

"Watcha want me to do - Bust out cryin!!

"NO FUN," it concludes, with those words underlined. "NOT WORTH IT!!"

Epstein was convicted in June 2008 after pleading guilty to soliciting prostitution from a minor. He was charged by America's justice department with the sex trafficking of minors in July 2019 and died while awaiting trial.

The letter was allegedly found by Nicholas Tartaglione, 49, a former police officer in New York, NBC News reported.

He was arrested in December 2016 and accused of killing four men in an alleged cocaine distribution conspiracy, then burying their bodies, according to court records. He was later convicted and sentenced to life in prison.

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A justice department spokesperson said of the apparent suicide note: "It is difficult to comment on something neither the New York Times, nor we, have seen."

They said the department "underwent an exhaustive effort to collect all records in its possession" after Donald Trump signed a bill approving the release of the Epstein files.

"This included collecting records from the Bureau of Prisons and Office of Inspector General," they added.

"As a result of these efforts, nearly three million pages have been produced."

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call the Samaritans for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.

(c) Sky News 2026: Purported suicide note left by Jeffrey Epstein released